With the twentieth pick in the 2012 NBA draft, the Denver Nuggets have selected Evan Fournier, a shooting guard from France.

Fournier has been playing for the French club Poiters Basket 86, and the Nuggets organization will discuss whether Fournier will join the Nuggets this season or remain in France for some time while Denver retains his rights.

Fournier worked out twice for Denver, early in the draft preparation on May 22 and then later on June 21.

Fournier, 6-7, 204, averaged 14.1 points, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game last year. Scouts praise his body control, ability to get to the rim, and his ability to change speed and direction quickly and decisively. His style of play should mesh well with Nuggets coach George Karl’s style of play.

“I know the way the Nuggets play, a lot of up and down and shooting the ball,” Fournier said. “That’s what I like to do.”

His play has drawn comparisons to Manu Ginobili from French teammates like Nicolas Batum, a forward for the Portland Trailblazers.

“I played against him during the lockout,” Batum said to NBCsports. “I’ve known him for four or five years now, and he’s a great player. He’s very confident about himself, trust me. He’s a little bit like Tony Parker (in that regard).”

With the depth at so many positions for Denver, the best plan may be to allow Fournier to continue playing in France until a roster spot becomes available. This is a pick that may not have an impact immediately for Denver, and thus fans will need to wait before criticizing the selection.

Fournier was taken ahead of other talented players such as Perry Jones III, Jared Sullinger, John Jenkins, Quincy Miller and Will Barton, all players that came to Denver for workouts in front of the coaching staff.

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Written by Daniel Lewis
Deputy editor of digital content for Brigham Young University newspaper, The Universe. Native of Denver, Colo. He likes to ride his bicycle.